Travel Advisory
SAFETY/SECURITY ADVICE
The entire traveler from the world knows that Nepal is the best destination for trekking but is it safe to travel Nepal? Off-course, Nepal is a safe country to trek provided the basic rules are explore. Public demonstration and Nepal banda (strike) is almost over now. Government of Nepal declares that no Banda and well come to tourist from all over the world and Nepal Government is going to celebrate visit Nepal 2020! When the trekking is being arranged by a reputed trekking agency, most of the contingencies will be handled by its staff. But when trekking alone, you may not have anyone to turn to for help. The possibilities of mobile phone and internet service are extremely limited in remote areas. Therefore, trekkers should either hire a good trekking agency or hire reliable guides if trekking in smaller groups.
The best way to avoid risk will trek is by planning, playing by the rules and realize human limitations. In case of misfortune, a detailed message should be dispatched to a reliable organization or individual immediately for rescue operation. If communication facilities are unavailable, the normal first aid principle should be allowed till help arrives in your destination.
Some of the safety rules better to follow
1) Do not trek alone.
2) Do not display your cash or expensive items.
3) Keep belongings secure and within sight.
4) Make arrangements for handling emergency situations beforehand.
5) Register personal information and trekking plan details with the respective embassies.
6) Buy a travel insurance policy that covers helicopter rescue cost. Leave a copy of the details with the agency in Kathmandu. (Your Local travel planner)
7) Choose only authorized government registered trekking agencies, trek with guides and porters.
ENTRY AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS
A passport and visa are required for visitors other than Indian nationals. Tourist visas can be purchased upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at all other ports of entry. All foreigners must pay an airport exit tax, regardless of the length of their stay. Travelers may contact nearest Royal Nepalese Embassy/Consulates for further information. Indian nationals do not require visa. However, effective from October 1, 2000 Indians travelling to Nepal by air will have to show upon arrival at entry point either a passport, voter’s identity card issued by Election Commission of India, or an identity card with photograph issued by the Central or State Government of India. Children under 10 years need not show any identification.
INFORMATION FOR TRAVELERS
Nepal has abundance of offers to establish it as a round the year travel destination. Based on this fact, many international tourists are indeed incorporating Nepal in their wishful travel itinerary. Popular tourist areas in Nepal like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Everest Region, Annapurna Region, Langtang Region, Lumbini, Janakpur and others are absolutely free from any sorts of disturbances. This is a clear testimony that travel safety in Nepal is more a perception problem than the actual state of affairs. Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) always recommends travelers to get services through the registered companies which guarantee you safe, reliable, standard and value for money travel services. Traveling in Nepal typically involves walking for an extended time over rugged, steep terrain, to various luxurious stays during the course of their trip. Many popular trekking routes in Nepal cross passes as high as 18,000 feet. The Nepal Tourism Board requests all existing and potential travelers to exercise extreme caution while trekking at higher altitudes. The safest option for all trekkers is to join an organized group or registered firm that provides an experienced guide and porter who communicates in both Nepali and English.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
Medical care is widely available in the District head quarters and the towns and cities. Moreover, Kathmandu has the most modern medi-care facilities, equipment and most qualified doctors in order to provide a quality care. Serious illnesses often require evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility. Illnesses and injuries suffered while on trek in remote areas often require rescue by helicopter. Various private Helicopter Companies including the Royal Nepal Army (at the Airport) provide rescue services. The cost is typically not much. For further information, please contact your local travel or trekking agent.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
After the establishment of various international Insurance Companies in the form of joint venture (JV), medical insurance is becoming popular in Nepal. Hence, all travelers are requested to insure through the reputed agencies. However, travelling within Nepal is adequately safe except in some remote government cautioned areas. Please check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation, and for adequacy of coverage. Supplemental health insurance that specifically covers overseas treatment and air evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility is strongly recommended.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS
In major tourist destinations the condition of the Roads are fairly well maintained. Those travelling by their own vehicles must carry valid road maps. The East West Highway connects all major cities and towns. Further information may be sought from NTB or local agents. The accident rate in Nepal is comparatively very minimal and relatively fatalities from such accidents are rare as compared to other big cities of the globe. Likewise, there are several domestic private airlines operating within the nation, which has tremendously helped to connect the remote part of the country to the capital.
AIR TRAVEL
Travelling to Nepal by air is considered safe. Nepal is well connected by a dozen of international airlines from all major cities of Europe and Asia. It also has a fair no of domestic airlines, which cater to the needs of the travelers domestically. Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) infrastructures have been duly extended in order to meet the rising demand of the air travelers.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
All travelers are requested to abide by the custom regulations of Nepal. The facilities that are given to travelers are of international norms except in the cases of heavy-duty import such as valuable metals, articles of archeological and religious importance, wildlife and related articles, drugs, arms and ammunition, and communications equipment.
ENVIRONMENT
Government of Nepal is very conscious about maintaining the ecological balance. The preservation of the natural resources and conservation of the national heritages has been our prime concern. In order to give a fillip to this concept, Government of Nepal has already brought in to effect the emission control norms for the vehicles. Similarly GOV is coordinating with various experts, donors, INGOs and NGOs and others to manage the Solid waste management and also controlling the effluents discharged by the industries. As far as conservation and preservation is concerned, Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) area and Nepal’s densely populated forests are greatly appreciated models in the world. Various national parks, Conservation projects and wild life reserve are the sign commitment of the preservation of the environment in Nepal.